Seventeen years ago saw the first blasting in the historic heartland of Switzerland of the longest train tunnel in the world. Wednesday 1 June 2016 will see the festive opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel – adding a further pioneering attraction to the world’s densest public transport network. The tunnel will bring Switzerland’s neighbouring countries, regions and cities north and south of the Alps closer together. Travel by train will be quicker, easier and more convenient.

Wednesday 1 June 2016 sees the festive opening in Switzerland of the longest and deepest train tunnel in the world. The tunnel extends for 57 kilometres to a depth of up to 2300 metres below the Gotthard massif. This flagship project for efficient and sustainable transportation on the north-south axis will permit high-speed travel through the Alps in only 17 minutes. The new flat-track route will not only cut travel time through the Gotthard, but also facilitate transit travel for longer and heavier trains. After 17 years of challenging building work, constructor AlpTransit Gotthard Ltd will hand over the completed tunnel to the Swiss Federal Railways on time and on budget. Switzerland’s internationally acclaimed public transport system – already the densest in the world – has perfected another pioneering first.

The best way to discoverSwitzerland

The Gotthard Base Tunnel enters into regular operation on 11 December 2016. The shorter travel times will bring neighbouring countries, regions and cities closer together. The dual-track tunnel will enable passengers from near and far to spend more time discovering the many delights of Switzerland north and south of the Gotthard.

Videosabout the inaugurationwill be available onSwissTravelSystem.com/media from 1 June 2016 17.00 hrs (CET). Live pictures and film materialwill be accessiblefrom 1 June 2016 via the European Broadcasting Union for EBU members or via SRG Sat.Chanel SRG-AB8 for all others.